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04/02/2010
McDaid Says Headshop Ban 'Huge Mistake'
A Fianna Fail TD has broken ranks by claiming the banning of headshops "is not the way forward".
Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
Mr McDaid, who is also a GP, said: "It isn't the way to tackle drug problems and doing so won't solve anything."
The message from Mr McDaid today is in stark contrast to the rest of the party, with Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Dr James Reilly today welcoming the Government's promise to introduce legislation to deal with Head Shops by June.
Deputy Byrne said: "Minister Harney’s pledge this afternoon in the Seanad to bring forward legislation to deal with Head Shops by June is welcomed. Fine Gael TDs and Senators have been calling for such legislation to be implemented as a matter of urgency. I just hope there will be no delay.
"The recent bane of Head Shops has already done untold physiological and psychiatric damage to our young adults. The products sold in Head Shops mimic the effects of illegal substances, however, young people feel it is okay to take them because they are legal. Teenagers, as a result of their "head shop high” have reported suffering from panic attacks, paranoia, delirium and psychosis. The need for the State to protect our youth with legislation is urgent."
Meanwhile, a Judge known for showing no mercy to defendants on drug charges has admitted that he was apparently unaware he was the landlord of a head shop selling legal 'highs'.
Yesterday, the judge came to an agreement with the owner of the Happy Daze in Naas, Co Kildare, and the business will vacate its premises.
(DW/GK)
Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
Mr McDaid, who is also a GP, said: "It isn't the way to tackle drug problems and doing so won't solve anything."
The message from Mr McDaid today is in stark contrast to the rest of the party, with Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Dr James Reilly today welcoming the Government's promise to introduce legislation to deal with Head Shops by June.
Deputy Byrne said: "Minister Harney’s pledge this afternoon in the Seanad to bring forward legislation to deal with Head Shops by June is welcomed. Fine Gael TDs and Senators have been calling for such legislation to be implemented as a matter of urgency. I just hope there will be no delay.
"The recent bane of Head Shops has already done untold physiological and psychiatric damage to our young adults. The products sold in Head Shops mimic the effects of illegal substances, however, young people feel it is okay to take them because they are legal. Teenagers, as a result of their "head shop high” have reported suffering from panic attacks, paranoia, delirium and psychosis. The need for the State to protect our youth with legislation is urgent."
Meanwhile, a Judge known for showing no mercy to defendants on drug charges has admitted that he was apparently unaware he was the landlord of a head shop selling legal 'highs'.
Yesterday, the judge came to an agreement with the owner of the Happy Daze in Naas, Co Kildare, and the business will vacate its premises.
(DW/GK)
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03 March 2010
'Legal High' Drug Ban Welcomed
A Government ban on a list of 'legal high' substances available from so called 'head shops' has been broadly welcomed in the Daíl. Galway West Fianna Fáil TD, Frank Fahey, announced this morning that a range of products sold in headshops are to be banned by the Government by June.
'Legal High' Drug Ban Welcomed
A Government ban on a list of 'legal high' substances available from so called 'head shops' has been broadly welcomed in the Daíl. Galway West Fianna Fáil TD, Frank Fahey, announced this morning that a range of products sold in headshops are to be banned by the Government by June.
15 February 2010
Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
12 February 2010
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
15 June 2010
'Psychosis Drug' Sold In Head Shops
A renewed 'crack-down' on head shops has been launched after drug called 'whack' was connected to dozens of users suffering psychotic reactions. The substance, which mimics the effects of cocaine, is believed to have been responsible for a fresh spate of hospital admissions among users, doctors said.
'Psychosis Drug' Sold In Head Shops
A renewed 'crack-down' on head shops has been launched after drug called 'whack' was connected to dozens of users suffering psychotic reactions. The substance, which mimics the effects of cocaine, is believed to have been responsible for a fresh spate of hospital admissions among users, doctors said.
25 February 2010
Head Shops Face Crackdown
Currently available "legal highs" at so called 'head shops' are facing a crackdown from the Government. Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Head Shops Face Crackdown
Currently available "legal highs" at so called 'head shops' are facing a crackdown from the Government. Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
